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DictionarysimmerGentle cooking
verb / noun

simmer

SIM-er/ˈsɪmər/

To remain hot just below a full boil.

The soup simmers over a low flame, with tiny bubbles at the edges.

A close view of soup cooking gently in an uncovered saucepan over a low gas flame: a mostly calm surface, a few tiny bubbles at the edges, and delicate wisps of steam distinguish simmering from a rolling boil.
Etymology
simmerMiddle Englishto simmer

Middle English simperen might have imitated a sound. Simmer originally described the gentle hissing of liquid beginning to boil, connecting that sound with cooking just below boiling.

In context

Allrecipes1:51
cook this for about three to five minutes until the onion has softened and then we just add in our sauce let it simmer for about 10 minutes
How to Make Cheesy Baked Ziti | Allrecipes

More examples

  • Keep the sauce at a simmer for ten minutes.
  • Simmer the beans until they are tender.
  • The broth is simmering, not boiling.

Forms

simmer · simmers · simmered · simmering

Similar words

stew
Means cooking food slowly in liquid, usually in a covered pot.
poach
Means cooking food gently in liquid, often below a simmer.